Compizione Azzurra © Piero Dorazio 1989
Piero Dorazio
27 works
Key Takeaways
Piero Dorazio's prints have demonstrated notable market growth since 2022, with individual works typically fetching between £900 and £2,000. His most valuable period is the early 1970s, with examples of his interwoven band compositions from 1974 achieving over £3,500. The record for a Dorazio print was set in 2024 when Senza Titolo (1974) sold for £4,659 at Wannenes in Milan. Authentication requires thorough examination of print studio stamps, particularly from Stamperia 2RC in Rome and Marlborough Graphics in New York, along with reference to the Archivio Piero Dorazio in Milan. His prints are technically complex, featuring multiple colour passes that create distinctive optical effects, making condition paramount to value. Recent market trends show particular strength in Italy, with nine of his top 10 print sales occurring since 2022, suggesting strong investment potential for collectors.
Piero Dorazio created intricate patterns of intersecting colours that earned him recognition as a significant figure in post-war Italian abstraction. His prints capture the same careful attention to chromatic relationships that characterised his paintings, featuring layered networks of lines, shapes, and colours that create subtle optical effects. This guide provides essential information about navigating the market for Dorazio's prints, including insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling approaches.
Dorazio began creating prints in the 1940s, during Italy's post-war reconstruction period. His collaborations with print studios in Rome and Paris allowed him to experiment with different techniques, from early lithographs to the precise screenprints that would become his trademark. Working primarily with Stamperia 2RC in Rome throughout the 1960s and 70s, he developed innovative methods for layering colours that created an illusion of transparency and movement. His most successful prints emerged from this period, when he mastered the technical challenge of perfectly registering multiple colour passes to achieve his characteristic latticed patterns.
How Much Do Piero Dorazio Prints Sell For?
Piero Dorazio prints have seen significant value increase since 2022, with individual works now typically achieving between £900 and £2,000 at auction. His most sought-after pieces are those from the early 1970s, when his command of geometric abstraction reached its peak, and later works from the early 1990s. The record price for a Dorazio print was set in 2024 when an untitled print, Senza Titolo (1974), featuring his characteristic interwoven bands of colour, sold for £4,659 at Wannenes in Milan.
Dorazio’s compositions featuring interwoven bands of colour are typically his most popular - many of which are multiples of felt collage originals. 2022 saw two untitled examples from 1974 sell for over £3,500 each, and another for over £2,500. These recent sales demonstrate the strong popularity of both this period in Dorazio’s career and this particular style, and indicates his enduring success on the Italian market.
Prints featuring kites of colour, such as those from Dorazio’s La Ribambelle Des Gobelins series (1992), prove continually popular as mid-tier prints. Although complete collections of this series in particular have sold for £1,269 as recently as 2019, individual prints in the same style have sold for more in recent years. In 2022, for example, Senza Titolo (1989/90) sold for £2,742.
Dorazio’s more geometrically-focused pieces from the 1990s typically achieve between £800 and £1,200. These works often feature translucent shapes within shapes, creating gradients of colour. Europa Unita, Italia (1991), featuring coloured gradients of circles, sold in 2019 for £937, while variations on the triangular gradients of Wigwam (1991) have achieved as much as £1,500.
The market shows particular strength in Italy, where Dorazio's connection to the country's post-war Abstract Art movement continues to resonate with collectors. The steady appreciation of print value in the past five years, however, indicates strong investment potential for collectors and promising returns for sellers.
How Do You Authenticate A Piero Dorazio Print?
Authentication of a Dorazio print requires careful examination of both physical characteristics and documentary evidence. Every detail of provenance helps establish legitimacy - from certificates of authenticity and gallery sales receipts to exhibition history. Dorazio maintained strong relationships with specific print workshops and publishers, particularly Stamperia 2RC in Rome and Marlborough Graphics in New York, whose distinctive stamps and markings can help verify authenticity.
The physical analysis of prints should focus on paper quality, printing technique, and colour application. Dorazio typically used high-grade wove papers, often from Italian manufacturers, or soft cloth, and worked primarily with lithography, etching, and screenprinting. The precise registration of colours and the clarity of geometric patterns are crucial indicators of authentic works.
While no definitive catalogue raisonné exists specifically for Dorazio's prints, several comprehensive publications document his work. The Archivio Piero Dorazio maintains extensive records, both online and at their office in Milan, and can assist in verification. Gallery catalogues from his major exhibitions, such as the Galleria Dello Scudo in Rome, provide valuable reference points for authentication.
Edition and Signature
Dorazio's signature appears consistently in pencil, typically in the lower right corner of his prints, often accompanied by the year of creation. His signature style remained remarkably stable throughout his career, characterised by clear, uppercase, measured lettering. Edition numbers usually appear in the lower left, written as fractions. In some cases, including those record-breaking prints made from original collage works, Dorazio’s signature and edition numbers appear on the reverse. His print editions generally ranged from 50 to 100, though some special series were limited to as few as 25 impressions.
Artist's proofs, marked "P.A." (prova d'artiste), are particularly valued by collectors and can command premium prices. Dorazio often created variant impressions with subtle colour differences, sometimes given slightly different titles. These variations, when documented, can be harder to authenticate; however, when authentication is confirmed, these differences can enhance both authenticity and value.
Browse Piero Dorazio prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
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Has Your Piero Dorazio Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
The preservation of Dorazio's prints requires particular attention due to his sometimes subtle use of colour layering and precise geometric patterns. His prints are notable for their intense, saturated colours achieved through multiple printing passes. This technical complexity makes them especially susceptible to certain types of deterioration, with gentle colour variations fading over time if left exposed to direct light. The precise edges of his geometric forms must remain crisp and well-defined, as any blurring or bleeding can significantly impact both aesthetic appeal and value.
The papers Dorazio favoured, primarily Italian wove papers, are generally stable but can be vulnerable to light damage and environmental fluctuations. Prints produced on soft cloth, however, may be susceptible to fraying or loosening of fibres if not kept flat and protected. For optimal preservation, prints should be stored in acid-free environments, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framing is desired, UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting materials are essential. Regular condition assessments by qualified conservators can help prevent deterioration and maintain value.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Piero Dorazio print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Piero Dorazio Print?
The resurgence of interest in post-war Italian abstraction has stirred renewed interest in Dorazio prints. Value has grown steadily in recent years, with nine out of the top 10 highest-value print sales occurring from 2022 onwards. His market demonstrates particular strength during major exhibitions focusing on Dorazio’s work or European geometric abstraction and Italian Modernism more broadly. The inclusion of Dorazio’s work in the 2022 Art Gèneve, and the 2023 exhibition at the Galleria Dello Scudo, are both thought to have stimulated the European market.
The surge in sales values in 2022 also coincided with the record sale of the original painting Troppo Segreto (1961) for £564,582. In the same year, there were two other sales of original works for over £300,000, and in 2024, two more sales of over £250,000. Although these original oil paintings have different subject matter to Dorazio’s printed works, these trends demonstrate the power of significant sales across both sides of the market.
The strongest results often coincide with themed auctions in Italy and Germany, particularly those featuring works from the Italian arte programmata movement. The spring and autumn sales typically achieve the highest prices, benefiting from increased collector activity during these seasons. Monitoring sales results and tracking market patterns through auction house websites can provide valuable and timely insight into optimal timing. These reports are freely available, ensuring sellers of Dorazio prints can act quickly.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My Piero Dorazio Print?
Selling A Piero Dorazio Via A Broker
Art brokers specialising in post-war European prints offer personalised service and direct access to established collector networks. These professionals understand the importance of discretion and can develop targeted marketing strategies based on deep knowledge of the Dorazio market. Their expertise often includes connections with Italian institutions and private collectors who maintain a focused interest in geometric abstraction and the developments of post-war Italian art. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees than auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. This approach offers greater flexibility in timing and pricing strategy, allowing sellers to adjust to market conditions without the pressure of public auction deadlines. Brokers can facilitate private viewings and negotiate directly with potential buyers, maintaining confidentiality throughout the process. The most effective brokers maintain relationships with museum curators, academic researchers, and conservation specialists who understand Dorazio's unique contribution to printmaking. Their networks often extend internationally, connecting sellers with collectors across Europe and beyond who specifically seek examples of Italian modernism.
Selling A Piero Dorazio Via Auction House
Leading auction houses regularly feature Dorazio's prints in their post-war Italian art sales, offering a global platform for reaching informed collectors. These institutions leverage extensive networks to attract buyers who understand Dorazio's significance within European abstraction. Houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and particularly Italian firms such as Finarte and Cambi, offer specialist knowledge and can effectively contextualise his work within the broader narrative of post-war art, often achieving strong results through competitive bidding. However, auction house fees typically reach 25% of the hammer price, with additional costs for insurance, shipping, and marketing. Success depends heavily on current market conditions and the selection of an appropriate sale. There's also the risk of a print failing to meet its reserve price, which could affect its future market value. The rigid scheduling of auctions means sellers might wait months for appropriate themed sales focusing on Italian Modernism or geometric abstraction.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Piero Dorazio Via Online Marketplace
Digital platforms present unique challenges for selling valuable prints like Dorazio's. While these venues might seem to offer convenient access to a global audience, the high values and authentication requirements of blue chip fine art prints demand levels of expertise and security that general online platforms cannot provide. The inability to properly examine paper quality, printing technique, and finish of Dorazio's work in person makes most serious collectors unwilling to purchase significant prints online. Without proper authentication protocols and expert guidance, sellers risk both undervaluing their work and deterring knowledgeable buyers. The lack of specialist expertise in geometric abstraction and Italian Modernism can make it difficult for exceptional pieces to stand out in digital marketplaces. For high-value Dorazio prints, particularly those from important series or periods, online marketplaces should be approached with extreme caution. If considering this route, opt exclusively for specialised fine art platforms with robust verification processes and experience handling works by established artists. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide necessary security measures for significant transactions.
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Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
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Piero Dorazio Collection Management With MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
